SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Review | 64 Data compared

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a wired, 60% form-factor gaming keyboard designed for high-speed performance and portability. It features custom SteelSeries OptiPoint optical switches that utilize a linear response with a very light 35g of actuation force. A standout feature is its ability to toggle on-the-fly between two actuation points: a rapid 1.0mm travel distance for gaming and a standard 1.5mm distance for typing. Built with a durable aluminum top plate enclosed in a sturdy plastic shell, this 676-gram keyboard includes double-shot PBT keycaps, per-key RGB lighting, and up to five onboard profiles managed via the comprehensive SteelSeries GG companion app.

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a compact 60% wired gaming keyboard utilizing the brand's new OptiPoint Optical Switches, which leverage optical sensors rather than magnetic ones to deliver an incredibly fast 0.2ms response time and zero debounce. A core highlight of this hardware is its unprecedented customizability, standing out as the first SteelSeries lineup to support completely swappable and replaceable switches. It features a premium, well-weighted build equipped with double-shot PBT keycaps with side-printed secondary functions, a detachable USB-C cable, individual key Prismsync RGB lighting, and a hidden rubber compartment on the bottom containing a built-in keycap puller. Through the companion SteelSeries GG software app, gamers can swap between two native actuation points: a 1.0mm setting built for extreme speed and a 1.5mm setting optimized for accuracy.

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a compact, 60% wired gaming keyboard featuring a detachable USB-C cable, double-shot PBT keycaps with side-printed secondary functions, and per-key Prismsync RGB lighting. Its standout feature is the inclusion of brand-new OptiPoint Optical Switches, which use light sensors to deliver a 0.2ms response time and zero debounce. A major design advantage of this model is its customisation and serviceability; it includes a built-in keycap puller stored under a bottom rubber flap, allowing users to easily swap out both the keycaps and the hot-swappable optical switches if they break. Performance-wise, the keys feel fast and accurate during use, offering two adjustable registration depths (1.0mm for speed or 1.5mm for accuracy) via the SteelSeries GG companion app.

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a premium 60% gaming keyboard featuring responsive, soft-touch linear optical switches, a compact, space-saving design, and well-calibrated RGB lighting. Its high performance is further enhanced by full customizability for different play styles, offering a robust, high-quality build. While the keyboard is lauded for its performance, the primary drawback is its high retail price, which may deter budget-conscious users. Despite the cost, the review concludes it is an exceptional, well-crafted choice for those seeking a premium compact gaming peripheral.

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is highlighted as a high-value, hot-swappable keyboard featuring OptiPoint optical switches, offering better repairability and standard component compatibility compared to higher-end, proprietary alternatives. It provides a premium, fast typing and gaming experience with high-quality PBT keycaps and a dual-actuation height system. Medium · Conversely, the 60% form factor lacks dedicated secondary keys and the OLED screen found on more expensive models. Despite its performance, the price point is relatively steep compared to competing mini analog models from competitors. Medium ·

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Optical Gaming Keyboard earns an 8.5 out of 10 score from CGMagazine for its exceptional speed, accuracy, and portable design, making it an ideal choice for competitive players with limited desk space. The review's major pros center around the high-performing "OptiPoint" linear optical switches, which boast a blistering 0.2ms response time and dual-actuation flexibility. Users can seamlessly toggle between a feather-light 1.0mm "Gaming Mode" and a more deliberate 1.5mm "Typing Mode" to prevent accidental keystrokes. Furthermore, the hardware features a sturdy, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy reinforced chassis, satisfyingly crunchy yet quiet keypresses, vibrant per-key RGB illumination, and durable double-shot PBT keycaps with a hidden onboard keycap puller.

The MKAU Gaming review highlights the SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini as a compact 60% keyboard featuring fast, dual-actuation OptiPoint optical switches for 0.2ms response times, housed in a durable aluminum frame. The review praises the extensive customization options within the SteelSeries GG software, including per-key RGB lighting and macro mapping. Drawbacks noted in the review include the absence of a key switch removal tool in the box, which makes changing the hot-swappable switches difficult, alongside a generic, non-innovative design. Additionally, the strict 60% layout requires users to rely on secondary key functions for navigation and utility tasks. MKAU Gaming

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a feature-packed 60% compact gaming keyboard priced at $129.99 / £129.99. The reviewer highly praises its rapid performance, which is driven by custom OptiPoint optical switches that offer an adjustable actuation distance (1.0mm or 1.5mm) and a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time. Additional strong pros include textured double-shot PBT keycaps that help enhance typing accuracy, a detachable braided USB-C cable, a cleverly hidden integrated keycap puller, and vibrant per-key RGB backlighting that is highly customizable and easy to manage via the SteelSeries GG software. However, the review highlights several distinct cons, most notably surrounding build quality and switch customization claims. Despite featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum top plate, the keyboard exhibits surprising twist and noticeable flex when under pressure. Furthermore, while SteelSeries markets the keyboard as having hot-swappable switches for easy customization, the retail bundle fails to include a switch-pulling tool, and the replacement OptiPoint switches themselves are nowhere to be found on the manufacturer's website. It also lacks an optional wrist rest. Overall, the review concludes that while it isn't cheap and suffers from minor...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini and TKL are highly responsive mechanical gaming keyboards featuring innovative OptiPoint linear optical switches, which utilise light beams instead of physical metal contacts to register keypresses. The standout feature of these keyboards is their "2 Point Actuation" system, allowing users to toggle between a shallow 1.0mm height for near-instant gaming responses and a deeper 1.5mm height for error-free typing. Built with durable Double Shot PBT keycaps, the keyboards provide a grippy, long-lasting typing surface that effectively resists finger oils. While both models share identical features, the larger TKL variant also includes a volume roller, whereas the 60% Mini layout provides a more compact footprint. The keyboards offer significant advantages but also come with a few notable drawbacks. On the positive side, the OptiPoint switches feel exceptionally fast, the textured keycaps avoid developing an unpleasant shine, and the integrated per-key RGB lighting is subtly designed and richly saturated. The review also praises helpful design additions like the built-in dual-height feet and a hidden keycap puller tool. Conversely, the PBT keycaps are on the thinner side, and...

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a compact 60% gaming keyboard that delivers elite performance while saving 40% more desk space than full-sized models. Built with an aircraft-grade aluminium alloy case and double-shot PBT keycaps, the hardware is durable and premium. It shines technically with its hot-swappable OptiPoint optical switches, boasting a rapid 0.2ms response time, zero debounce, and a customizable 2-point actuation (1mm for fast-paced gaming and 1.5mm for daily typing accuracy). Additional highlights include highly customisable per-zone RGB lighting via the SteelSeries GG app, three adjustable typing heights, and the ability to record custom macros for diverse gaming genres. The review highly recommends it for gamers working with limited desk space, ultimately awarding it the publication's Gold Award.